Landmark USS Constellation Historic Ship, Baltimore

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Baltimore Local time
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Restaurants in Baltimore

Baltimore is renowned for its crab cakes - said to be the best in the world. The city's other cuisines aren't wanting though - with fresh seafood always available. We've listed the restaurants below under five headings: Gastronomic, Business, Personal Recommendations, Trendy and Budget, with three restaurants in each section, giving a small sample of the city's top eateries.

Price brackets are as follows:
$$$$ (over US$80)
$$$ (US$40 to US$80)
$$ (US$25 to US$40)
$ (under US$25)
For a three-course meal and the equivalent of one-half bottle of wine (sales tax of 5% will be added and allow 15-20% for your tip).

La Scala of Little Italy

A romantic, quaint unpretentious setting, with an exquisite menu. Italian cooking doesn't get better than this. Treat yourself to veal or filet mignon or a lobster/shrimp pasta dish. The gnocchi is also melt-in-the-mouth good. Chef/owner Nino Germano serves up generous portions but try to leave room for a portion of cannoli, crepes or profiteroles. The service is excellent, with customer satisfaction clearly a priority for this family run business.

Address: 1012 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, United States
Telephone: (410) 783 9209

Gertrude's

Named after celebrity chef John Shields' grandmother - who first introduced him to the delights of cooking, this bistro prides itself on serving the freshest local ingredients - with lobster and crab topping the menu. Try succulent crabettes (with ginger, garlic and serano chillies). Floor to ceiling windows overlook a sculpture garden and, in warmer weather, there's terrace seating. Call ahead for reservations as the dining room often closes on summer evenings for private functions.

Address: Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore, United States
Telephone: (410) 889 3399

Blue Sea Grill

This oceanic themed restaurant is painted in hues of blue, with sailboat paintings adorning the walls. Friendly service and fresh seafood rule, with a good choice of oysters, mussels and clams, daily fresh fish mains and the usual meat-eaters plates. The starters alone are sight-to-behold; try tempura shrimp with mango sauce, herb-crusted scallops and king crab guacamole. Happy hour at the raw bar on weekdays 1600 to 1900.

Address: 614 Water Street, Baltimore, United States
Telephone: (410) 837 7300

Samos

Address: 600 Oldham Street, Baltimore, United States
Telephone: (410) 675 5292

Jack's Bistro

Simple yet stylish décor in earth tones and truly good food. The chef prides himself on producing appealing, inventive dishes: Guinness Braised Bistro Steak, with asparagus and mashed potatoes, duck breast and confit with roasted barley risotto or spice crusted pork loin with a mélange of brussel sprouts, corn and bacon. Open Wednesday to Sunday.

Address: 3123 Elliot Street, Baltimore, United States
Telephone: (410) 878 6542

Faidley's

Established in 1886, this family business leads the way when it comes to lump crab cakes. Faidley's Crab Festivals are run countrywide - and internationally - to promote tourism and business development. They were even commissioned to develop crab cake for the crew of the United States Space Shuttle and Faidley's marketplace featured in Sleepless in Seattle . Located inside Lexington Market, be ready to queue, then stand at tall tables to savour these delicacies. No alcohol. Open Monday to Saturday 0900-1700.

Address: 203 North Paca Street, Baltimore, United States
Telephone: (410) 727 4898

Tapas Teatro Café

Enduringly popular, this charming bistro is located in the revamped Charles Theatre, making it the perfect pre-show venue. There's certainly a buzz about the place. Arrive with an appetite for the paella, accompanied by a pitcher of sangria. Alternatively, sample a little of everything from the tantalising menu. The rule of the house is 'small plates, big pleasures'.

Address: 1711 Charles Street, Baltimore, United States
Telephone: (410) 332 0110

Sotto Sopra

In the Mount Vernon Cultural District, this contemporary Italian boasts traditional high ceilings, large mirrors and elegant tableware set off by bold murals. Find heaven in the lobster and pea ravioli with fennel and Galliano cream sauce but make sure you leave room for dessert. Look out for evenings of special themed menus and live entertainment.

Address: 405 North Charles Street, Baltimore, United States
Telephone: (410) 625 0534

Pazo

This old warehouse pulls off cosy and sophisticated, with soaring ceilings, an open kitchen, plush booths in the downstairs bar lounge, wrought-iron chandeliers and a mezzanine dining level. Its Mediterranean menu features mouth-watering tapas as well as main courses of grilled seafood, spit-roasted game and aged ribeyes. Regional cheeses and homemade breads set off the innovative menu. The wine list and grappa collection are impressive. Late in the evening, it becomes a nightclub.

Address: 1425 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, United States
Telephone: (410) 534 7296

Pisces

Having undergone a complete revamp, the panoramic rooftop view of the Inner Harbor is now matched by a decadent menu including cognac-brushed shrimp served with candied shallots and Tuna Tartar accompanied by a ginger sabayon. Champagne brunch is served each Sunday from 1000 to 1400. Reservations are essential - but you can always drop into the lounge for a cocktail while you wait.

Address: Hyatt Regency Baltimore, Baltimore, United States
Telephone: (410) 528 1234

Brightons

Sun-filled by day and offering spectacular views of the Inner Harbor by night, this smart venue is certainly memorable. Local favourites, such as crab cakes and rockfish, are always on the menu. Afternoon tea is a special treat - served on Friday and Saturday afternoons: cucumber and stilton mousse sandwiches and warm scones, jam and Devonshire cream. Expect impeccable service from the moment you enter.

Address: Harbor Court Hotel, Baltimore, United States
Telephone: (410) 234 0550

Aldo's Ristorante Italiano

Chef owner Aldo Vitale is a master of southern Italian cuisine as well as being a skilled carpenter. He crafted the restaurant's intricate woodwork, including the beautiful mahogany bar. This elegant, romantic décor is the perfect foil to his menu of seasonal ingredients, such as Italian white truffles from Alba. His home-cured pancetta and soppressata, pickled vegetables and hand-picked herbs lend a personal touch. Diners are welcome to tour the wine cellar and the cheese cave.

Address: 306 South High Street, Baltimore, United States
Telephone: (410) 727 0700
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